Vintage dog photography - in pictures

A poodle from the Libby Hall Collection. A number of images from the collection feature in the exhibition Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

Libby Hall began collecting photographs of dogs in 1966, saving unwanted pictures from dustbins and bonfires Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

Later she began amassing them from local flea markets and secondhand shops Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

Now her collection is one of the most famous and distinguished in the world Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

She has published several books of photographs and attracted a cult following Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

The images show people from all walks of life and countries: from mining towns to stately homes, from the American deep south to rural Japan Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

There are princesses and cowboys, clergymen and actors ... Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

... toddlers and octogenarians Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

Common to them all are their dogs Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

This is the postcard from which the exhibition took its name Photograph: Libby Hall Collection

The exhibition also features Victorian cartes des visites, cabinet cards, original glass negatives and a collection of vintage cameras and stereoscopes Photograph: Statham Cook Collection

A family shot with a Glen of Imaal terrier Photograph: Statham Cook Collection

We disguise our dogs as other animals; the Victorians dressed them up as people Photograph: Statham Cook Collection

The exhibition includes historical photography from Crufts, such as this scene from Olympia in 1948 Photograph: Kennel Club Picture Library

English setters and their young owner take a break at Crufts Photograph: Kennel Club Picture Library

Cavalier King Charles spaniels line up for judging at Crufts in 1957 Photograph: Kennel Club Picture Library

Small girl, big dog, outside Crufts in 1950 Photograph: Kennel Club Picture Library